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2003 Isuzu AxiomProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2003 Isuzu Axiom, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-547 the manufacturer reports only 18% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 18%Owner complaints168 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage62kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 19, 2020. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Isuzu Axiom has problems

16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train40
Fuel/propulsion system31
Service brakes, hydraulic32
Air bags22
Engine and engine cooling20
Structure20
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
Equipment10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2003 Isuzu Axiom recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

18%repaired · 2015 Q1

Suspension: rear

Recall 13V-547 · Oct 31, 2013 · 8,816 vehicles · 1,630 repaired

Risk. The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Isuzu.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Axiom year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Axiom median. How we score

'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Isuzu Axiom safety ratings

2003 Isuzu Axiom 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2003 Isuzu Axiom frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2003 Isuzu Axiom side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Isuzu Axiom, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Fuel Tank Retention FailureDP18001 · closed Mar 5, 2020
    No recall
In owners' words

What Axiom owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I HAVE A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM 4X4 AND IN MARCH, 2014 I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AND AS A RESULT I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I HAVE LESS THEN 98,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Complaint 10622425 · Aug 14, 2014
TRANSMISSION BAD AT 61K. SPENT $3,800 ON REBUILT TRANSMISSION AS METAL PARTICLES WERE CLOGGING THE TRANSMISSION FILTER. MECHANIC NOTED THAT TRANMISSION PUMP WAS BAD AND CAUSING METAL TO BREAK OFF AND CLOG THE FILTER. *TR
Complaint 10463250 · Jun 27, 2012 · 61,838 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEAR FROM PARK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER AND SWITCH ACCESSORY FAILED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Complaint 10204732 · Oct 2, 2007 · 2,000 miles

Own a 2003 Axiom?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.